The competition was scheduled to begin in June and conclude in November, but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[3] The tournament returned in 2023, following the pandemic and postponed 2021 Rugby League World Cup, under the name Pacific Championships.

The tournament came as part of a $7 million investment by the NRL and Australian Government to develop rugby league in the surrounding countries,[4][5] in addition to forming part of the International Rugby League new seven year international calendar.

Each team plays two matches in a single round robin with the top two advancing to the division final.

Though, unlike the men's, the lower tier contains four teams as no regular touring schedule has been planned for the women's sides.